Across the United States, marginalised communities are forging intentional living spaces that serve as havens for cultural preservation and environmental sustainability. From California to Alabama, these groups are reclaiming land and fostering a sense of belonging while passing down traditional practices to future generations.
A Commitment to Community and Culture
In Boonville, California, Zappa Montag and a collective of Black individuals have established Black to the Land, an ecovillage that spans 76 hectares (189 acres). Nestled amongst towering redwoods and flourishing gardens, this intentional community operates off the grid, relying on solar power and well water. Montag describes their mission as an effort to “reverse-gentrify the country,” a radical reclaiming of space for Black individuals to thrive outside the pressures of urban displacement and cultural erasure.
The concept of intentional communities is not new, particularly among Black and Indigenous populations. These small, purpose-driven collectives are rooted in shared values and a communal vision, often resembling co-housing arrangements in urban settings or ecovillages in rural areas. Historically, such communities have provided safety and support for Black Americans, especially post-enslavement, as they navigated systemic racism and economic disenfranchisement.
The Journey to Black to the Land
Montag and his daughter, Bibi Sarai, initiated Black to the Land in 2015, motivated by the gentrification they witnessed in Oakland. Their vision was to create a serene space for Black individuals to heal and reconnect with nature. After discovering Emerald Earth Sanctuary, a sanctuary in Mendocino County, they were gifted stewardship of the land through a verbal and written agreement. Montag reflects, “It’s been a reparations type of project,” highlighting the community’s commitment to learning land stewardship while honouring their ancestors.
Tragedy struck in early 2023 with Bibi Sarai’s untimely death, leaving Montag uncertain about the project’s future. However, the positive impact of the sanctuary on visitors rekindled his resolve to continue their shared dream. Now, he resides permanently at Black to the Land, where he has recruited new members and developed his skills in agriculture and construction through mentorship from former residents of the sanctuary.
Building for the Future
The community thrives on a model of shared responsibilities, with members participating in everything from gardening to maintenance. They benefit from the expertise of African plant medicine practitioners who prepare herbal remedies for ailments, fostering a holistic approach to wellness. The group collaborates with organisations like Sankofa Roots, which provides training in land-based skills, and they’re even learning traditional building techniques from a Ghanaian ecovillage leader.
Despite the challenges of rural living, including flooding and other environmental concerns, the community’s collective efforts to maintain the land are a testament to their resilience. “We want to be able to be independent or self-reliant,” Montag asserts, emphasising the importance of self-sufficiency amidst a world that feels increasingly precarious.
The Wider Movement
The Bipoc Intentional Community Council has emerged as a vital resource for Black and brown individuals seeking to create intentional communities. With support in areas such as funding and workshops, the council is fostering a resurgence of interest in land-based living—an echo of historical practices that many are eager to reclaim. Board member Crystal Byrd Farmer notes, “There’s a back-to-the-land movement,” as more people seek ways to reconnect with their roots and cultivate communal living spaces.
Yet, intentional living is often misrepresented in mainstream media as a radical concept. In reality, these communities reflect the way humans have lived harmoniously for centuries, leaning on the support of small groups to navigate societal challenges. By fostering environments where cultural traditions can flourish, these communities are providing essential spaces for healing and empowerment.
Preserving Ancestral Knowledge
Intentional communities are also pivotal in preserving and revitalising the cultural practices of Indigenous peoples. In Alabama, the Maskoke people have established Ekvn-Yefolecv, an ecovillage where they honour their ancestral customs and language. After reacquiring land that was lost through forced removal 180 years ago, the community operates under matriarchal governance and immerses members in their cultural heritage through daily language use and traditional ecological practices.
Marcus Briggs-Cloud, co-founder of Ekvn-Yefolecv, emphasises the need for a lifestyle change that embraces ecological sustainability rather than conforming to damaging colonial ideologies. Their efforts serve as a model for other Indigenous communities striving to maintain their cultural identity while promoting ecological integrity.
Why it Matters
The rise of intentional communities among marginalised groups is not merely a response to contemporary societal pressures; it is a reclamation of identity, heritage, and hope. By cultivating spaces where traditional practices can flourish and be passed down through generations, these communities provide essential support systems that challenge the narratives of isolation and disenfranchisement. In a world increasingly fraught with uncertainty, the commitment to communal living is a powerful statement of resilience and an affirmation of cultural pride. As these groups flourish, they remind us that the fight for space, identity, and belonging is a vital part of the ongoing struggle for justice and equity.